120201-r7-youfraThe Franciscan Youths (YOUFRA) of Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor: Feeling triumphant after giving their share to the community. Tree planting and clean up activities are one of the regular activities of these youth to help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change following their weekly formation at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor. (pia-siquijor/Rizalie Anding Calibo)

Central Visayas Region

PIA Press ReleaseThursday, January 26, 2012

CEBU CITY, Jan 26 (PIA) -- A Department of Health (DOH) official advised the public on how to properly use iodized salt to prevent goiter as the country celebrates Goiter Prevention Awareness Week on January 22 to 28.

DOH 7 Director Susana Madarieta said that too much heat diminishes the iodine efficacy. Thus, it is advisable to put salt only after food has been cooked. Neither is it advisable to mix the iodized salt in a boiling soup because this reduces iodine potency, she explained.

Madarieta, however, said that in buying iodized salt, one must check whether the packaging bears the DOH logo as guarantee that this has the necessary iodine content as required by the Bureau of Food and Drugs.

People who suffer from goiter or hyperthyroidism have an enlarged thyroid and feel a swollen or tight feeing in the neck or throat with hoarseness and coughing as well as difficulty in breathing and swallowing.

“Goiter is easily preventable with ample iodine in the diet. And the cheapest way to have iodine is just to use iodized salt everyday since we always use salt to season our food,” according to Madarieta.